Memorial post for newsreader Jan Leeming

Ms Leeming, who has also appeared as a contestant on the television programme I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here!, will join the Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Stephen Dalton and Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu in the prestigious post from January 1.

The Allied Air Forces Memorial based at the museum in Elvington, near York, is the only one of its kind in Europe and commemorates the airmen and women who fought with Britain since the First World and up to the present day – in particular, the 58,000 airmen and women who died during the Second World War.

Museum director, Ian Reed, said: “The board of trustees are delighted that Ms Leeming has agreed to join us. She is a very well respected personality and her tireless research and devotion to the spirit of so many young airmen who risk their lives for us both in the past and even today will be a real asset to the aims of the memorial.”